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How to Hide Apps on iPhone and iPad in iOS 18 — and Why You Should

iOS 18 adds built-in app hiding and locking. Hidden apps move to a Hidden folder that requires Face ID to open, and they won't appear in notifications or search results.

Apple has added a new feature in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 that lets users 'hide and lock' apps directly on their devices, without relying on the old workarounds. It's ideal for anyone who wants to keep certain apps out of sight — such as banking apps, health apps, or private apps they don't want others to see when lending their phone.

The process is simple: just long-press the app icon, select 'Require Face ID,' then choose 'Hide and Require Face ID.' The app will immediately disappear from the Home Screen.

Hidden apps are moved to a 'Hidden' folder within the App Library, which requires authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode every time before access. Interestingly, notifications and content from hidden apps won't appear anywhere else on the device — not in Spotlight Search, and not even on CarPlay in the car — making the privacy protection truly comprehensive rather than just hiding an icon.

For those who don't need full hiding with a lock, there's a lighter option: tapping 'Remove from Home Screen' makes the app vanish from the main screen while remaining findable in the App Library as usual. Additionally, Apple offers a way to hide apps from App Store purchase history via the account page, which prevents them from appearing in Family Sharing lists or past purchases — though this is separate from hiding icons on the device itself.

To bring an app back, simply go to the Hidden folder in the App Library, authenticate, then long-press the app and choose to unhide it at any time. All of this information has been confirmed by official Apple Support documentation.